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Patients Want Digital Communication Tools, New Study Shows

When selecting between two comparable physicians the majority of patients would choose the healthcare provider who allows for appointment scheduling and other tasks to be completed digitally, according to a new survey.

A recent Surescripts survey of 1,000 adults found 65 percent of patients actually feel more confident when using digital healthcare tools. 68 percent of patients said they feel relief and 55 percent feel more comfortable.

“Dangerous voids in health information sharing can easily be solved through the use of digital communications and technology,” Tom Skelton, Surescripts CEO said in a statement. “As an industry, we need to come together to connect the nation’s healthcare system – to enhance the patient experience while improving quality and lowering the cost of care.”

51 percent would choose a doctor that let them fill out paperwork online before a visit, 48 percent would choose a doctor who provides online test results, 46 percent would choose a doctor who stores medical records digitally, and 44 percent would choose a doctor that allows them to schedule appointments online.

In a healthcare system more heavily focused on quality patient care, patients desire technologies like Smart Clinic to help them see positive health outcomes and improve engagement and satisfaction with their healthcare providers.